Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416989412
ISBN-13: 978-1416989417

From School Library Journal

High school sophomore Nora Grey, a dedicated student striving for a college scholarship, lives with her widowed mother in a country farmhouse outside Portland, ME. When Patch, her new biology partner, is suddenly thrust into her life, Nora is both attracted to his charm and put off by his inexplicable awareness of her thoughts. Eventually, she learns that he is a fallen angel who wants to become human. She is susceptible to his control, but other forces are at work as well, and Nora finds herself caught in the middle of dangerous situations and unexplainable events.

Hush, Hush is a new paranormal YA book that takes us away from the well-used genre of vampires. It is full of suspense and mystery with an ending that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fitzpatrick has hit the ball out of the park with her debut novel, making me eager for the second book in the series.

Nora Grey is the typical girl next door, trying to come to grips with the death of her father, while being left alone much of the time as her mother works away from home. An excellent high school student, Nora and her BFF, Vee, love shopping and talking about boys, although neither have a current boyfriend.

Then Nora is forced to be lab partners with the gorgeous mystery boy, Patch. Patch is new to school and after partnering with Nora, sparks seems to fly between the two. Nora is uncertain of her feelings toward Patch - she gets a "bad boy" vibe from him, but can't help the growing attraction she feels toward him.

Suddenly, Nora is being followed by a stranger in a ski mask and is having "visions" of events that don't seem to be happening. Did she really hit the ski masked man with her car? Did she really fall out of a roller coaster?

Nora becomes convinced that Elliot - another new boy at school - is behind all her problems, while Vee is convinced Nora's problems are because of Patch. The conclusion of this mystery had me guessing to the very end and I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

Although the genre of fallen angels is starting to become a staple in the YA world, Fitzpatrick seems to have a different take on the idea and created a totally believable fantasy story. Her dialogue is typical of modern day teenagers and she has tapped into their emotions with accuracy.

The next book in this series is Crescendo and will be released in November. I, for one, will be waiting anxiously for this new release. Becca Fitzpatrick has cemented herself as an up and coming figure for YA audiences.